Airline door retractable wave fence with steps for evacuation

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and apparatus for permitting evacuation of an aircraft following a water landing are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed method involves deploying, an evacuation unit, from inside a storage housing located proximate a door of the aircraft. In one or more embodiments, the evacuation unit comprises at least one step and a wave fence. In at least one embodiment, when the evacuation unit is fully deployed, at least a portion of the wave fence is in water-tight contact with at least a portion of a frame of the door such that water flow into the aircraft is prevented and/or inhibited.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Divisional application of, and claims priority toand the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/311,105, filedJun. 20, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporatedby reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to airplane door steps for evacuation. Inparticular, it relates to an airplane door retractable wave fence withsteps for evacuation.

BACKGROUND

In the art of commercial airplane design, there are possible situationswhen some of the aircraft doors cannot be used in a ditching (i.e. waterlanding) situation because immediately after landing on water, the waterline is higher than the airplane door threshold (i.e. the door sill isnegative).

Even in cases when the door sill is positive, but the water line is justa few inches lower than the door threshold, a particular door can beconsidered as not being usable for passenger egress subsequent toditching. These situations may occur on multi-deck commercial airplanes,high-wing airplanes, mid-wing airplanes, and short narrow body low-wingairplanes. The door may be considered as not being usable for passengeregress for several reasons. One of the reasons is that the airplane willsink faster than it is getting lighter due to the passenger egress, sothe door sill becomes negative faster than the certificationrequirements for a positive door sill state. Even if the door sill doesnot decrease, the marginally positive sill allows for waves and splashesto enter into the cabin, thereby increasing the airplane sinking rate.

As such, there is a need for a design that will allow for an evacuationof an aircraft following a water landing with a marginally positive doorsill.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a method, system, and apparatus for anairplane door retractable wave fence with steps for evacuation. In oneor more embodiments, a method for permitting evacuation of an aircraftfollowing a water landing (e.g., a ditching event) involves deploying,an evacuation unit, from inside a storage housing located proximate adoor of the aircraft. In one or more embodiments, the evacuation unitcomprises at least one step and a wave fence. In at least oneembodiment, when the evacuation unit is fully deployed, at least aportion of the wave fence is in water-tight contact with at least aportion of a frame of the door such that water flow into the aircraft isprevented and/or inhibited.

In one or more embodiments, the top step of the step(s) comprises anupper surface of the wave fence upon which an occupant evacuating theaircraft can step. In some embodiments, the storage housing is locatedunder at least one floor panel, located on a portion of an inflatableslide, located on an interior wall of the aircraft, or located on anexterior wall of the aircraft. In at least one embodiment, the methodfurther involves opening, the storage housing, to expose the evacuationunit for deployment.

In at least one embodiment, the evacuation unit further comprises arigid infrastructure that is foldable. In some embodiments, thedeploying of the evacuation unit comprises unfolding the rigidinfrastructure by use of compressed gas, hydraulics, electrical power,pneumatics, at least one spring, and/or at least one manual pump.

In one or more embodiments, after deployment of the evacuation unit, thewave fence is located interior to the aircraft and/or exterior to theaircraft.

In at least one embodiment, the method further involves attaching, to afirst location proximate a first side of the frame of the door, a firstside of the wave fence; and attaching, to a second location proximate asecond side of the frame of the door, a second side of the wave fence.In some embodiments, the attaching of the first side of the wave fenceto the first location and the attaching of the second side of the wavefence to the second location are via at least one rail, at least onefastener, and/or at least one zipper.

In one or more embodiments, the evacuation unit is constructed from aninflatable structure. In at least one embodiment, the deploying of theevacuation unit comprises inflating the inflatable structure by use ofcompressed gas and/or at least one manual pump. In some embodiments, theevacuation unit further comprises a rigid infrastructure that isfoldable and housed within the inflatable structure.

In at least one embodiment, the inflatable structure comprises at leastthree inflatable sleeves and/or an accordion structure.

In one or more embodiments, an apparatus for permitting evacuation of anaircraft following a water landing comprises at least one step and awave fence. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus is to be deployedfrom inside a storage housing located proximate a door of the aircraft.In some embodiments, when the apparatus is fully deployed, at least aportion of the wave fence is in water-tight contact with at least aportion of a frame of the door such that water flow into the aircraft isprevented and/or inhibited.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a rigidinfrastructure that is foldable. In some embodiments, the apparatus isdeployed by unfolding the rigid infrastructure by use of compressed gas,hydraulics, electrical power, pneumatics, at least one spring, and/or atleast one manual pump.

In one or more embodiments, the apparatus is constructed from aninflatable structure. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus isdeployed by inflation of the inflatable structure by use of compressedgas and/or at least one manual pump.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a rigidinfrastructure that is foldable and housed within the inflatablestructure. In some embodiments, the inflatable structure comprises atleast three inflatable sleeves and/or an accordion structure.

In one or more embodiments, a system for permitting evacuation of anaircraft following a water landing comprises an evacuation unit to bedeployed from inside a storage housing. In at least one embodiment, theevacuation unit comprises at least one step and a wave fence. The systemfurther comprises the storage housing located proximate a door of theaircraft. In one or more embodiments, when the evacuation unit is fullydeployed, at least a portion of the wave fence is in water-tight contactwith at least a portion of a frame of the door such that water flow intothe aircraft is prevented and/or inhibited.

The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently invarious embodiments of the present embodiments or may be combined in yetother embodiments.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an aircraft door with a marginally positive doorsill, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view of a firstembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a stowed position, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the first embodiment of the disclosed evacuationunit, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view of the firstembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being deployed, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view of the firstembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit fully deployed, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of the firstembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit fully deployed, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a diagram of a second embodiment of the disclosed evacuationunit, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a foldable rigid infrastructure of thesecond embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thesecond embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a stowed positionwith the floor panels closed, in accordance with at least one embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thesecond embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a stowed positionwith the floor panels opened, in accordance with at least one embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thesecond embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being deployed, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an interior cabin view of the secondembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit fully deployed, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a top view of a third embodiment of thedisclosed evacuation unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a bottom view of the third embodiment ofthe disclosed evacuation unit, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of the thirdembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a stowed position, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of the thirdembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a fully deployedposition, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thethird embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a fully deployedposition, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of the thirdembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a fully deployedposition, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14A is a diagram showing a side view of a fourth embodiment of thedisclosed evacuation unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 14B is a diagram showing another side view of the fourth embodimentof the disclosed evacuation unit, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of the fourthembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a stowed position, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of the fourthembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being deployed, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of the fourthembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being in a fully deployedposition, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thefourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being in a fullydeployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thefifth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being in a fullydeployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 19B is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of the fifthembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being in a fully deployedposition, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the disclosed method for permittingevacuation of an aircraft following a water landing, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

The methods and apparatus disclosed herein provide an operative systemfor an airplane door retractable wave fence with steps for evacuation.The disclosed system provides an evacuation unit that allows for safeemergency evacuation following a ditching event (i.e. a water landing)when using doors with marginally positive door sill values. Theevacuation unit comprises a wave fence (or dam), which typically will bestowed inside the passenger floor of the cabin of the aircraft next tothe door threshold. When the wave fence is fully deployed, it will forma water-tight contact with the aircraft fuselage structure, therebyartificially increasing the positive water sill by one or more stairwaysteps.

In the following description, numerous details are set forth in order toprovide a more thorough description of the system. It will be apparent,however, to one skilled in the art, that the disclosed system may bepracticed without these specific details. In the other instances, wellknown features have not been described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure the system.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques and components relatedto the system design, and other functional aspects of the system (andthe individual operating components of the systems) may not be describedin detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the variousfigures contained herein are intended to represent example functionalrelationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. Itshould be noted that many alternative or additional functionalrelationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram 100 of an aircraft door 110 with a marginallypositive door sill 120 a, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. In this figure, an exterior view of the aircraft130 is shown. The aircraft door 110 is shown to be open, and theevacuation slide (i.e. inflatable slide) 140 is shown to be deployed. Inthis figure, the water level 150 is shown to only be a few inches lowerthan the bottom of the aircraft door 110, thereby establishing amarginally positive door sill 120 a. Also in this figure, a firstembodiment of the evacuation unit 160 is shown to be in a stowedposition in the cabin of the aircraft 130.

FIG. 2 is a diagram 200 showing an interior aircraft cabin view of afirst embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 160 in a stowedposition, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In this figure, the aircraft door 110 is shown to be closed,and the door 110 is shown to include a storage compartment 230 forstoring the evacuation slide 140.

Also in this figure, the evacuation unit 160 is shown to be in a stowedposition. When stowed, the evacuation unit 160 is housed within astorage housing (not shown) located under the cabin floor and flush withat least one floor panel 220. In one or more embodiments, the floorpanel 220 may have an increased thickness across the aisle, as is shownin FIG. 2, so as to receive the evacuation unit 160. It should be notedthat in other embodiments, the evacuation unit 160 may be housed withina storage housing that is located under at least one floor panel,located on a portion of the inflatable side 140, located on the interiorwall of the aircraft cabin, or located on the exterior wall of theaircraft 130.

Additionally in this figure, rails 240 are shown to be located on eitherside of the aircraft door 110. After the evacuation unit 160 is fullydeployed, each side of the evacuation unit 160 is attached to each ofthe rails 240, respectively.

FIG. 3 is a diagram 300 of the first embodiment of the disclosedevacuation unit 160, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In this figure, the evacuation unit 160 is shown toinclude two steps 310 and a wave fence 320. It should be noted that inother embodiments, the evacuation unit 160 may include more or less thantwo steps 310, as is shown in this figure. In addition, the evacuationunit 160 is shown to include a foldable, rigid infrastructure 330. Therigid infrastructure 330 is used to support the steps 310. An actuator340 powered by compressed gas 350 is utilized to deploy the evacuationunit 160 (i.e. to unfold the rigid infrastructure 330).

It should be noted that in other embodiments, other means may be used inaddition or instead of compressed gas 350 to deploy the evacuation unit160. Types of other means that may be utilized include, but are notlimited to, hydraulics, electrical power, pneumatics, at least onespring, and at least one manual pump.

Also, it should be noted that the top step of the two steps 310comprises an upper surface of the wave fence 320, where an evacuatingoccupant of the aircraft 130 can step on the upper surface for egress.

FIG. 4 is a diagram 400 showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thefirst embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 160 being deployed, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Inthis figure, the aircraft door 110 is shown to be starting to open, andthe actuator 340 is shown to be in the process of deploying theevacuation unit 160, where its wave fence 320 is shown to be partlydeployed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram 500 showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thefirst embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 160 fully deployed, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Inthis figure the actuator 340 has fully deployed the evacuation unit 160from the storage housing 1220, which is located under the cabin floorand flush with at least one floor panel 220. The each side of the wavefence 320 of the evacuation unit 160 is attached to each of the rails240, such that the wave fence 320 is forced against the frame of theaircraft door 110 and at least a portion of the wave fence 320 forms awater-tight contact with a portion of the interior cabin of the aircraft130. It should be noted that the frame of the aircraft door 110 is theopen structure that is located in between the interior of the aircraft130 and the exterior of the aircraft 130, and that receives the edges ofthe door 110 when the door 110 is in a closed position.

It should be noted that in other embodiments, the wave fence 320 isattached by means other than rails 240. Examples of other means that maybe utilized to attach the wave fence 320 include, but are not limitedto, at least one fastener and at least one zipper.

FIG. 6 is a diagram 600 showing an exterior aircraft view of the firstembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 160 fully deployed, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thisfigure shows that after the evacuation unit 160 is fully deployed, thewater sill 120 b has significantly increased, thereby allowing for theaircraft door 110 to be utilized for passenger egress.

FIG. 7A is a diagram 700 of a second embodiment of the disclosedevacuation unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In this figure, the evacuation unit 705 isconstructed from an inflatable structure 710. The evacuation unit 705may be deployed (i.e. the inflatable structure 710 is inflated) by useof compressed gas and/or at least one manual pump.

In addition, the evacuation unit 705 is shown to include two steps 730and a wave fence 720. Additionally, the evacuation unit 705 may or maynot include a foldable, rigid infrastructure (not shown) that is housedwithin the inflatable structure 710.

FIG. 7B is a diagram 715 showing a foldable rigid infrastructure 740 ofthe second embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 705, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Inthis figure, the foldable rigid infrastructure 740 is used to supportthe steps 730. Also shown in this figure, the rigid infrastructure 740includes a pivot 750 on each side to allow for the folding of the rigidinfrastructure 740.

FIG. 8A is a diagram 800 showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thesecond embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit (not shown) in astowed position with the floor panels 820 closed, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, theaircraft door 110 is shown to be open, thereby exposing the watersurface (i.e. the water level) 150.

Also in this figure, the evacuation unit (not shown) is in a stowedposition. When stowed, the evacuation unit is housed within a storagehousing (not shown) located under the removable floor panels 820, whichare flush with at least one floor panel 220. In one or more embodiments,the floor panel 220 may have an increased thickness across the aisle, asis shown in FIG. 8A, so as to receive the evacuation unit. It should benoted that in other embodiments, the evacuation unit may be housedwithin a storage housing that is located on a portion of the inflatableside 140, located on the interior wall of the aircraft cabin, or locatedon the exterior wall of the aircraft 130. For the purpose of cleardefinition, any wall that is not exposed to the airstream external tothe aircraft 130 is considered an interior wall. So, for example, thewalls on the interior of the door 110 opening are considered to beinterior walls.

FIG. 8B is a diagram 810 showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thesecond embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 705 in a stowedposition with the floor panels 820 opened, in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, the aircraftdoor 110 is shown to be open, and the inflatable slide 140 is deployed.Also in this figure, the removable floor panels 820 are shown to beopen, thereby exposing the evacuation unit 705 to be deployed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram 900 showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thesecond embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 705 being deployed,in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Inthis figure, the evacuation unit 705 is shown to be in the process ofbeing deployed. The direction of deployment of the evacuation unit isdenoted by arrow 910.

FIG. 10 is a diagram 1000 showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thesecond embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 705 fully deployed,in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Inthis figure, the evacuation unit 705 is shown to be fully deployed. Whenthe evacuation unit 705 is fully deployed, the steps 730 are fullystabilized by the internal pressure of the inflatable structure 710 ofthe evacuation unit 705, and the internal pressure of the inflatablestructure 710 forces the wave fence 720 of the evacuation unit 705against the frame of the aircraft door 110 such that at least a portionof the wave fence 720 in water-tight contact with at least a portion ofthe interior cabin of the aircraft 130.

FIG. 11A is a diagram 1100 showing a top view of a third embodiment ofthe disclosed evacuation unit 1110, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, the evacuationunit 1110 is shown to be constructed from an inflatable structure. Theinflatable structure includes three inflatable sleeves 1120. It shouldbe noted that in other embodiments, the evacuation unit 1110 may beconstructed to have more or less than the three inflatable sleeves,shown in this figure. In addition, the evacuation unit 1110 is shown toinclude an inflating hose 1130. A source of air (not shown) is attachedto the open end of the inflating hose 1130, and the source of air causesair to pass through the inflating hose 1130 and into the evacuation unit1110 to inflate the evacuation unit 1110. Various means may be used forthe source of air including, but not limited to, compressed air and/orat least one manual pump.

FIG. 11B is a diagram 1105 showing a bottom view of the third embodimentof the disclosed evacuation unit 1110, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, the evacuationunit 1110 is shown to include a girt bar 1140. The girt bar 1140 is usedto secure the evacuation unit 1110 to the aircraft door frame or to theinflatable slide. The direction of arrows 1150 illustrate the directionthat the girt bar 1140 is moved to secure the girt bar 1140appropriately.

FIG. 12A is a diagram 1200 showing an exterior aircraft view of thethird embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1110 in a stowedposition, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In this figure, the aircraft door 110 of the aircraft 130 isshown to be open. Also in this figure, the inflatable slide 140 is shownto be deployed, and the inflatable slide 140 is shown to include astorage compartment (i.e. a storage housing) 1220 located near theaircraft door 110.

Also in this figure, the evacuation unit 1110 is shown to be in a stowedposition. When stowed, the evacuation unit 1110 is housed within thestorage housing 1220.

FIG. 12B is a diagram 1210 showing an exterior aircraft view of thethird embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1110 in a fullydeployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. For deployment of the evacuation unit 1110, thestorage housing 1220 is opened to expose the evacuation unit 1110. Theevacuation unit 1110 is removed from the storage housing 1220 andpositioned within the frame of the aircraft door 110. Then, a source ofair is used to inflate the evacuation unit 1110 such that it is fullydeployed. When the evacuation unit 1110 is fully deployed, a firstsleeve 1120 of the evacuation unit 1110 lies within the cabin of theaircraft 130, a second sleeve 1120 of the evacuation unit 1110 lieswithin the frame of the aircraft door 110, and a third sleeve 1120 ofthe evacuation unit 1110 lies exterior to the aircraft 130, therebycreating a wave fence.

FIG. 13A is a diagram 1300 showing an interior aircraft cabin view ofthe third embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1110 in a fullydeployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 13B is a diagram 1310 showing an exterior aircraft view of thethird embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1110 in a fullydeployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 14A is a diagram 1400 showing a side view of a fourth embodiment ofthe disclosed evacuation unit 1410, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, the evacuationunit 1410 is shown to be constructed from an inflatable structure. Theevacuation unit 1410 is shown to include a plurality of membrane ribs soas to form an accordion-type structure. It should be noted that in someembodiments, the evacuation unit 1410 may also include a foldable rigidstructure (not shown) that is housed within the inflatable structure.

The evacuation unit 1410 is also shown to include two steps 1420 and awave fence 1430. In addition, the evacuation unit 1410 is shown toinclude an inflating hose 1440. A source of air (not shown) is attachedto the open end of the inflating hose 1440, and the source of air causesair to pass through the inflating hose 1440 and into the evacuation unit1410 to inflate the evacuation unit 1410. Different types of means maybe used for the source of air including, but not limited to, compressedair and/or at least one manual pump. It should be noted that thecompressed air may be from various sources, such as from the inflatableslide 140 and/or from a separate pressurized gas bottle or aspirator.

FIG. 14B is a diagram 1405 showing another side view of the fourthembodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1410, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a diagram 1500 showing an exterior aircraft view of thefourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1410 in a stowedposition, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In this figure, the aircraft door 110 of the aircraft 130 isshown to be open. Also in this figure, the inflatable slide 140 is shownto be deployed, and the inflatable slide 140 is shown to include astorage compartment (i.e. a storage housing) 1510 located near theaircraft door 110.

Also in this figure, the evacuation unit 1410 is shown to be in a stowedposition. When stowed, the evacuation unit 1410 is housed within thestorage housing 1510.

FIG. 16 is a diagram 1600 showing an exterior aircraft view of thefourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1410 being deployed,in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.For deployment of the evacuation unit 1410, the storage housing 1510 isopened to expose the evacuation unit 1410. The evacuation unit 1410 isremoved from the storage housing 1510 and positioned within the frame ofthe aircraft door 110, as is shown in the figure. Then, a source of airis connected to an end of the inflating hose 1440 and is used to inflatethe evacuation unit 1410 until it is fully deployed. In this figure, thesource of air is located within the storage housing 1510. In otherembodiments, as previously mentioned above, the source of air may belocated in other areas other than the storage housing 1510.

FIG. 17 is a diagram 1700 showing an exterior aircraft view of thefourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1410 being in a fullydeployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. When the evacuation unit 1410 is fully deployed, theevacuation unit 1410 fits snugly within the frame of the aircraft door110, thereby creating a wave fence 1430. And, a clamp sleeve 1710 oneither side of the evacuation unit 1410 clamps to the frame of theaircraft door 110 to assist in securing the evacuation unit 1410 when itis fully deployed.

FIG. 18 is a diagram 1800 showing an interior aircraft cabin view of thefourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1410 being in a fullydeployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In this figure, the evacuation unit 1410 is shown tobe fully deployed, and the clamp sleeves 1710 are shown to be securelyclamped to the frame of the aircraft door 110. In this figure, the twosteps 1420 of the evacuation unit 1410 can be seen. The two steps 1420are for the passengers to use during their egress from the aircraft 130.

FIG. 19A is a diagram 1900 showing an interior aircraft cabin view ofthe fifth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1910 being in afully deployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. In this figure, the evacuation unit 1910 isshown to be deployed and secured within the frame of the aircraft door110 of the aircraft 130.

In this figure, the evacuation unit 1910 is shown to be constructed froman inflatable structure. The inflatable structure includes two steps1920 and two inflatable sleeves 1930, 1940. It should be noted that inother embodiments, the evacuation unit 1910 may be constructed to havemore or less than two steps 1920, and more or less than two inflatablesleeves 1930, 1940, as is shown in this figure.

When the evacuation unit 1910 is fully deployed, the two steps 1920 liewithin the cabin of the aircraft 130, one inflatable sleeve 1940 lieswithin the frame of the aircraft door 110, and the other inflatablesleeve 1930 lies exterior to the aircraft 130, thereby creating a wavefence.

FIG. 19B is a diagram 1905 showing an exterior aircraft view of thefifth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1910 being in a fullydeployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart 2000 showing the disclosed method for permittingevacuation of an aircraft following a water landing, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the present disclosure. At the start 2010 ofthe method 2000, optionally, a storage housing is opened to expose theevacuation unit for deployment 2020. Then, the evacuation unit isdeployed from inside the storage housing, which is located proximate adoor region of the aircraft 2030. In one or more embodiments, theevacuation unit comprises at least one step and a wave fence. In atleast one embodiment, when the evacuation unit is fully deployed, atleast a portion of the wave fence is in water-tight contact with atleast a portion of a frame of the door such that water flow into theaircraft is prevented and/or inhibited. Then, the method 2000 ends 2040.

Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it shouldbe understood that the above discussion is not intended to limit thescope of these embodiments. While embodiments and variations of the manyaspects of the present disclosure have been disclosed and describedherein, such disclosure is provided for purposes of explanation andillustration only. Thus, various changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the claims.

Where methods described above indicate certain events occurring incertain order, those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure would recognize that the ordering may be modified andthat such modifications are in accordance with the variations of theembodiment. Additionally, parts of methods may be performed concurrentlyin a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially.In addition, more parts or less part of the methods may be performed.

Accordingly, embodiments are intended to exemplify alternatives,modifications, and equivalents that may fall within the scope of theclaims.

Although certain illustrative embodiments and methods have beendisclosed herein, it can be apparent from the foregoing disclosure tothose skilled in the art that variations and modifications of suchembodiments and methods can be made without departing from the truespirit and scope of the art disclosed. Many other examples of the artdisclosed exist, each differing from others in matters of detail only.Accordingly, it is intended that the art disclosed shall be limited onlyto the extent required by the appended claims and the rules andprinciples of applicable law.

We claim:
 1. A method for permitting evacuation of an aircraft followinga water landing, the method comprising: deploying, an evacuation unit,from inside a storage housing located proximate a door of the aircraft,wherein the evacuation unit comprises at least one step and a wavefence, and wherein when the evacuation unit is fully deployed, at leasta portion of the wave fence is in water-tight contact with at least aportion of a frame of the door such that water flow into the aircraft issubstantially inhibited.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theevacuation unit is constructed from an inflatable structure.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the deploying of the evacuation unitcomprises inflating the inflatable structure by compressed gas, a manualpump, or a combination thereof.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein theevacuation unit further comprises a rigid infrastructure that isfoldable and housed within the inflatable structure.
 5. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the inflatable structure comprises at least threeinflatable sleeves.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the inflatablestructure further comprises a girt bar that is attached to one of theframe of the door of the aircraft or an inflatable slide.
 7. The methodof claim 5, wherein when the evacuation unit is deployed, a first sleeveof the at least three inflatable sleeves lies within a cabin of theaircraft, a second sleeve of the at least three inflatable sleeves lieswithin the frame of the door of the aircraft, and a third sleeve of theat least three inflatable sleeves lies exterior to the aircraft, therebycreating the wave fence.
 8. The method of claim 2, wherein theinflatable structure comprises an accordion structure, wherein when theevacuation unit is deployed, the accordion structure fits within theframe of the door of the aircraft, thereby creating the wave fence. 9.The method of claim 2, wherein the inflatable structure comprises atleast one inflatable step and at least two inflatable sleeves.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein when the evacuation unit is deployed, the atleast one inflatable step lies within a cabin of the aircraft, one ofthe inflatable sleeves lies within the frame of the door of theaircraft, and another one of the inflatable sleeves lies exterior to theaircraft, thereby creating the wave fence.
 11. An apparatus forpermitting evacuation of an aircraft following a water landing, theapparatus comprising: at least one step; and a wave fence, wherein theapparatus is to be deployed from inside a storage housing locatedproximate a door of the aircraft, and wherein when the apparatus isfully deployed, at least a portion of the wave fence is in water-tightcontact with at least a portion of a frame of the door such that waterflow into the aircraft is substantially inhibited.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the apparatus is constructed from an inflatablestructure.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus furthercomprises a rigid infrastructure that is foldable and housed within theinflatable structure.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein theinflatable structure comprises at least three inflatable sleeves. 15.The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the inflatable structure furthercomprises a girt bar that is attached to one of the frame of the door ofthe aircraft or an inflatable slide.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein when the apparatus is deployed, a first sleeve of the at leastthree inflatable sleeves lies within a cabin of the aircraft, a secondsleeve of the at least three inflatable sleeves lies within the frame ofthe door of the aircraft, and a third sleeve of the at least threeinflatable sleeves lies exterior to the aircraft, thereby creating thewave fence.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the inflatablestructure comprises an accordion structure, wherein when the apparatusis deployed, the accordion structure fits within the frame of the doorof the aircraft, thereby creating the wave fence.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the apparatus is configured to be deployed byinflation of the inflatable structure, and wherein the inflatablestructure is configured to be inflated by compressed gas, a manual pump,or a combination thereof.
 19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein theinflatable structure comprises at least one inflatable step and at leasttwo inflatable sleeves.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein when theapparatus is deployed, the at least one inflatable step lies within acabin of the aircraft, one of the inflatable sleeves lies within theframe of the door of the aircraft, and another one of the inflatablesleeves lies exterior to the aircraft, thereby creating the wave fence.